[Report] "Handeoksoo, born in Jeonju? Didn't he move his hometown to Seoul?"... The Unshakable Democratic Stronghold

Visited Jeonju's Nambu Market and Sinjungang Market on the Afternoon of the 7th
Although Handeoksoo's Hometown... "Using Honam for Personal Advancement"
Despite Concerns over Lee's Legal Risks, "Judgment Needed for Martial Law"

"Handeoksoo? Just because someone says they're from Honam doesn't mean they're really from Honam. It just seems like he's saying that to get votes."

On the afternoon of the 7th, I visited Jeonju Nambu Market. The market was quiet after the holiday/Photo by Hwang Seoyul chestnut@

On the afternoon of the 7th, Kim (75, male), who has been running a dried seafood shop for 50 years at Sinjungang Market in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, responded this way when asked about "presidential candidate Handeoksoo." Former Prime Minister Handeoksoo was born in Jeonju. He recently drew attention both inside and outside political circles for saying, "I am also from Honam," during a visit to Gwangju.

However, the sentiment in Jeonju was not particularly favorable. After giving change to a customer, Kim added, "He says he's from Jeonju, but I think he has moved his hometown to Seoul." Noh (69, male, unemployed), whom we met at Jeonju Nambu Market, shared a similar opinion. He offered a sharp critique of the former prime minister, saying, "Depending on the administration and the situation, he has either emphasized or concealed his place of origin."

Taxi driver Gil (67, male), when told that the former prime minister's hometown is Jeonju, shook his head and said, "That sounds like a lie." Gil said, "He should apologize and resign for failing to prevent the imposition of martial law, not run as a candidate. It just looks like he's using Honam for his own advancement."

Jeonju, a stronghold for the Democratic Party, appears unfazed in its support even with the emergence of the former prime minister, who is emphasizing his Honam roots. Among ten merchants and local residents met at Nambu Market and Sinjungang Market in Jeonju, only one said they supported a party other than the Democratic Party.

In the 20th presidential election, Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party's candidate at the time, received 82.17% of the vote in Wansan District and 82.01% in Deokjin District, both in Jeonju. His rival, Yoon Sukyeol of the People Power Party, received 15.30% and 15.26% of the votes in those districts, respectively.

If the former prime minister were to run as the conservative bloc's presidential candidate, he might hope to secure at least over 20% of the vote in his hometown, but the reality is far from easy. Although there are some critical views of Lee, widespread aversion to the 12·3 Martial Law remains a significant factor. Kim (62, female), who runs a clothing shop at Nambu Market, said, "(Lee has) judicial risks, but who doesn't have some flaws if you look closely?" Kwon (68, male), a merchant at Sinjungang Market, commented, "Compared to former presidents from the Democratic Party, Lee does not have outstanding charisma or aura." However, Kwon added that he would cast his vote to judge those responsible for martial law.

The younger generation in Jeonju also strongly prioritized regime change. Kim (26, male), whom we met near Chonbuk National University, said, "I support the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, but I think I will end up supporting Lee in the presidential election." Choi (23, female) said, "Rather than having a single administration continue, I think it's better for the economy and society to have a structure of opposition."